What is a 4-point wheelchair tie-down system?

A 4-point tie-down uses four retractors or straps — two at the front and two at the rear of the wheelchair — to secure the chair to the vehicle floor. When combined with a lap and shoulder belt for the occupant, it meets federal ADA and WC18 securement standards for paratransit, NEMT, and school bus transport.

Is wheelchair securement required by law?

Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all public transit vehicles equipped to transport wheelchair users must have an approved securement system. NEMT providers, paratransit operators, and school bus fleets are all subject to federal and state securement regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines and significant liability in the event of an accident.

What does WC18 compliant mean?

WC18 is the RESNA/ANSI standard that defines performance requirements for wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems (WTORS). WC18-compliant products have been crash-tested to withstand higher load forces than previous standards, providing greater protection for wheelchair users in the event of a collision or sudden stop.

Which wheelchair securement brands do you carry?

We are an authorized dealer for Q'Straint, AMF Bruns, and Sure-Lok — the three leading manufacturers of wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems worldwide. All products meet or exceed WC18 compliance standards where applicable.

What is the difference between an L-track and a Slide N' Click system?

L-track is a recessed floor channel that accepts fittings at any point along its length, giving installers maximum flexibility in retractor placement. Slide N' Click is Q'Straint's proprietary system using pre-set anchor points that allow faster, tool-free securement — popular in high-volume paratransit operations where speed of securement matters.

What is the difference between a manual and retractable wheelchair strap?

Manual straps are fixed-length webbing straps with a hook or loop connection — simple, affordable, and reliable. Retractable systems use a spring-loaded mechanism to automatically take up slack, making securement faster and reducing trip hazards from loose webbing. Electric retractors add powered retraction, ideal for operators or drivers with limited hand strength or mobility.

Do you offer fleet pricing for multiple vehicles?

Yes. We offer fleet pricing for operators outfitting five or more vehicles. Submit your vehicle count, vehicle type, and preferred brand through our Fleet Quote form and a specialist will respond within one business day.

Do your products come with installation instructions?

Yes. All products ship with manufacturer installation guides. We also maintain a full library of installation and user guides on our website for Q'Straint, AMF Bruns, and Sure-Lok products. Our specialists are also available by phone at 800.884.6456 if you need installation support at no charge.

Optional Track C: Private Drivers, Parents and Caregivers Wheelchair Securement

Free Driver Training · Optional Track C

Private Drivers, Parents and Caregivers

Take this track if you drive a family member, friend or client in your own vehicle. Your certificate will read Core plus Private and Caregiver. No agency checks your van, so this track gives you the checks yourself. Reading time: about 6 minutes.

After this track you will be able to:

Choose a safe setup for a family vehicle.
Know what to ask a mobility dealer and the chair maker.
Avoid the common mistakes of home setups.

Start with the chair

Not every wheelchair is made to ride in a vehicle. Ask the chair's maker whether it is WC19 compliant and where its marked securement points are. A lightweight transport chair, a sports chair or an older chair may not be suitable. If the chair cannot be secured safely, the best choice is usually to transfer the rider into a vehicle seat, with a seat belt or an appropriate child restraint, and to secure the folded chair separately.

Then the vehicle

A safe family setup has floor track or anchors installed by a qualified accessible-vehicle dealer, a four-point tie-down system that matches the track, and a lap and shoulder belt for the rider. Do not drill the floor, use seat rails or hook to the seat frames yourself. Weight, floor structure and anchor spacing matter. Check that the ramp or lift in your vehicle is rated for the rider's chair and weight.

Question answeredCan I use ratchet straps from a hardware store? No. Cargo straps are not made or tested for securing a wheelchair and occupant, and they cannot be used to substitute for a wheelchair securement system. Use equipment made for wheelchair securement and follow its instructions.

Common home mistakes

Hooking to wheels, brakes, armrests or footrests.
Using only two straps, or straps that are too loose.
Leaving out the lap and shoulder belt for the rider.
Letting the rider travel with the chair's tray, bag or oxygen unsecured.
Skipping inspection until something looks worn.

Ride-day routine

Do a quick walk-around: straps, hooks, retractors, belts, track and ramp. Let the rider know what you are doing. Secure the chair, belt the rider, and check that nothing loose is in the vehicle. After a crash, replace the securement equipment as the maker directs, even if it looks fine.

What the manufacturer saysYour chair maker and your securement maker both publish instructions. The chair maker tells you where to attach; the securement maker tells you how.

Need help?Not sure what your vehicle needs? Call 800.884.6456 or email info@wheelchairstrap.com. Our Wheelchair Securement Glossary explains any term in this track.

Track C knowledge check

10 questions. You need 9 correct to pass. You will see right away whether each answer is correct.

Track C sources: WheelchairStrap.com: Mastering Safe Wheelchair Securement, A Caregiver's Guide · WheelchairStrap.com: Wheelchair Van Conversion 101

Back to the Hub Take the Final Test

This training is general educational guidance from WheelchairStrap.com. It does not replace the instructions of your equipment manufacturers, your employer's policies, or applicable laws and regulations. Completing it is not an official certification. WheelchairStrap.com, 1015 N I-35E, Suite 218, Carrollton, TX 75019 · 800.884.6456 · info@wheelchairstrap.com